PUPILS raised more than £1,000 when they took part in a mass haircut to help sick children.

The 11 youngsters at St Mary’s Catholic primary school handed over their locks to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.

The event coincided with a crazy hair day at the school when pupils were sponsored to turn up to lessons with coloured and vibrant hair.

Acting head teacher Rachael Weaver said: “It was really successful, I feel quite emotional actually and proud of the children.

“Some had been growing their hair since the first lockdown.

“The children were really nervous about getting their haircut, but afterwards one said that she was really happy that another child who had cancer would benefit from giving her hair away.

“One parent said she’s looking forward to her child’s morning routines because of how long and knotty her hair had become.

“The children look beautiful, they’ve all had a look in the mirror and they all love their new haircuts. Their friends do as well, all their friends are commenting.

“One girl said that she wishes she had taken part in it now.

She said: “I’m so proud, it took great courage to put themselves forward to something like this.

“It’s a small sacrifice but they’ve made such a huge difference.

“All the other children in the school are being incredibly supportive, we’ve got 11 ponytails bagged up and ready to go to the trust”.

Ms Weaver, who has been with the school for the past 20 years, said: “We’ve got quite a strong community, a strong sense of togetherness.

“It’s been hard not being together over the past year but with this, it was the first time we had parents step through the doors.

“Even just having 10 parents in the school was quite special, we followed Covid guidelines but it was nice to be able to be together and to celebrate this.”

The schoolchildren were joined by fellow students within their own bubble to witness the special event.

One of the children, Lillybelle said: : “I thought I was going to cry because I felt so nervous.

"But I am really happy now because my hair won’t get in the way of me playing and I can give it to children who don’t have any hair.”

Fellow hair donor Joseph said: “I’m very proud to be giving my hair to children in need. I can actually see where I’m going now and will be able to do my homework faster!”